I wonder if the "65 Reissue" amps have the circuitry of the BF amps. I haven't checked the schematics. Anyone know?<br />
<br />
I have a limited edition (cream tolex w/alnico speaker) 65 Reissue Deluxe Reverb that is mighty fine.

Hammond101
Contributing Member **********

So. Cal. USA

Jun 16th, 2017 03:47 PM

For the most part yes, the '65 RI amps follow the BF circuit. There are a few "updates" for UL approval etc. They are however built on PC boards not hand wired as the originals. Close enough for horse shoes and hand grenades for most folk.<br />
<br />
The Custom '68 amps follow the BF circuit on the vib/trem channel and have more of a tweed tone stack in the normal (custom) channel. They have reverb and trem on both channels (DR and TR). The PR being a single channel amp sounds more tweed/brown face to me. I don't own one but have heard it in a band setting mic'd up and it was quite nice actually. Maybe a bit bright but that may have been the guitarist's choice of tone settings.<br />
<br />
I think the look of the drip edge '68 amps is just perfect. The molding sparkles, the faceplate sparkles and so does the grill. Short of blonde tolex with an oxblood grill these may be the best looking amps Fender ever built, vintage or current.

Actually, it depends entirely on which model - and which SF circuit(s) you compare.<br />
<br />
Some are very different depending on the model/circuit. Others nearly identical.<br />
<br />
There simply is NO answer to "What's the difference between BF and SF amps?" The question has to be far more focused.

pcalu

usa metro detroit

Aug 30th, 2017 06:23 PM

Totally agree Silverface.<br />
<br />
Not to Troll, but I have had BF and SF amps and it depends on the model and it depends on the actual amp. (all amps are different especially vintage amps)<br />
<br />
Right now I have a mint (came with the owners manual anyone ever see a 70's Twin Reverb owners manual? Not me before.. lol ) 75 Twin Reverb and I had it Black Faced (not just the bias) and that amp is one of the best sounding Twin Reverbs I've ever heard (BF or SF) and the inside is clean as clean can be.... and yes Factory dressed lead lines.. <br />
<br />
So many misconceptions about Silverfaces.. Black Face amps are great... but Silverfaces are right up there too.

j!mi
Contributing Member ***

NNJ

and meanwhile, I'm still thinkin' . . .

Sep 2nd, 2017 07:50 AM

An easy way to tell if the circuit is blackface is to look at the knobs, allen wrench setscrews are blackface, the slotted setscrews are not. They will also have the black line.

willie
Contributing Member
********

Too Near Atlanta GA

Amp Tech Emeritus

Sep 8th, 2017 04:27 PM

Interesting that you would say that...my experience is that Blackface knob screws, especially early model ones, are slotted. I just finished repairing a 1964 Super Reverb for an old customer of mine, all original, and it has slotted screws. Not sure I'd bank on using the knobs as a sure fire way to ID an amp as BF vs SF. <br />
<br />
w

j!mi
Contributing Member ***

NNJ

and meanwhile, I'm still thinkin' . . .

Sep 8th, 2017 05:09 PM

Yes, the Blackfaces are slotted. The early transition to silverfaces went in stages. Blacklines and drip edges and allen setscrews.

If youâre looking for more clean headroom, you want a SF.<br />
<br />
If youâre looking for quicker breakup, you want a BF.<br />
<br />
I LOVE my â72 SFDR! It goes to the grave with me.<br />
<br />
6